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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A 41-year-old man was sentenced this week to 30-to-60 years in prison for unspeakable physical and sexual abuse of his step-daughter, but his evil acts were stopped and punished because of the strength and courage of the victim along with the defendant’s biological daughter.

Prosecutor Cheryl Yankolonis says the father, whose name is being withheld to protect the identities of his children, raped and physically abused his step daughter for nine years, from the age of eight to 16, but it was a sister who ultimately stopped the horror.

“The sister bravely testified that, that’s is her biological father so it was very hard for her, ultimately she saved her sister’s life. She came forward, she told a friend, and that is how it all came to light with DHS and police,” Yankolonis said.

The victim, who also testified, agrees her sister saved her life. And the victim’s strength was so inspiring she had to detail the horrific acts on the witness stand.

Yankolonis says a juror addressed the victim after the verdict:

“He looked at the victim and said good luck with everything you do, you are a brave strong girl.”